optical audio out via mini-toslink to toslink input

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optical audio out via mini-toslink to toslink input

I am attempting to use my iMacs headphone out/optical audio out to connect to my stereo via
Toslink mini-adapter to Toslink connection.

Toslink mini-adapter that I am using:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?cid=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042301&pid=2671&seq=1&format=2

When connected I am getting no audio out from the iMac. I have checked my stereo with another toslink connection (DVD&COMCAST) and have sound thru other devices.

When the mini-adapter plugged in, and trying to adjust volume, it will not adjust and I get a grayed out speaker icon with a 'can't access' icon (not sure of the term, but its a circle with slash thru it).

Right when I unplug it, the iMac speaker itself works fine, as well as plugging headphones into the connection. Also, I do see the 'red light' at the other end of the Toslink cable, as well as if I just plug the mini adapter into the iMac.

Is there some setting I am missing??

HELP!!! would be much appreciated.

THANKS.

iMac - 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Feb 9, 2008 1:39 PM

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Answer 1

The Looby

Level 4

1,285 points

Feb 9, 2008 2:13 PM in response to JamminJ01

JamminJ01 wrote:

When the mini-adapter plugged in, and trying to adjust volume, it will not adjust
and I get a grayed out speaker icon with a 'can't access' icon (not sure of the term,
but its a circle with slash thru it).

That's what should happen with a mini-Toslink plug in the headphone output
(there's no volume adjustment for the digital output signal, its level is fixed).

Is there some setting I am missing??

The setup you describe seems entirely correct and normal; the only thing
that comes to mind is a possible mismatch of digital signal formats. The
iMac can speak several "digital dialects" -- maybe it defaulted to a format
that your stereo doesn't understand. Try this:

1) Open: */Applications/Utilities/Audio Midi Setup*

2) Select: *Audio Devices > Default Output: Built-in Output*

3) Select: *Audio Devices > Properties For: Built-in Output*

4) Select: *Audio Output > Source: Digital Out*

5) Select: *Audio Output > Format: 44100.0 Hz 2ch-16bit*

That's the standard audio CD format, so it should be compatible with any
stereo system.

...any luck?

Looby

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Answer 2

JamminJ01 Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2008 6:37 PM in response to The Looby

Thanks for the reply.

I changed the Audio MIDI Setup as you had suggested. The only thing I changed was the format from 24bit to 16 bit. But I am not getting any sound at all.

A little more background.
I am using a 50ft long Toslink (needed from where my computer is to my stereo).
My stereo (speaker) is a Yamaha Soundbar, with two optical inputs.
I haven't had the chance to go through the Yamaha manual yet, but was just hoping that plugging in another Toslink would be same as my comcast and/or DVD player.

Well, I am going to check the Yamaha manual later.

OR anymore thoughts / ideas???

I am also going to try to move my iMac right next to my system for temp, and use the 6ft Toslink to see if that makes a difference.

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Answer 3

JamminJ01 Author

Level 1

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Feb 9, 2008 8:24 PM in response to JamminJ01

Ok, did some more messing around.

Moved the iMac next to the stereo, used a shorter Toslink cable, AND...
it worked great. SO, I am assuming there is a problem with the longer Toslink cable.

Or, does anyone know if there is some general problem with longer Toslink lengths.
Should I be worried about how long/far the Toslink connection is and losing signal strength. does that happen with toslink connections?

Thanks for the help, but if you have any more thoughts on the Toslink length, please chime in.

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Answer 4

The Looby

Level 4

1,285 points

Feb 9, 2008 9:08 PM in response to JamminJ01

JamminJ01 wrote:

... does anyone know if there is some general problem with longer Toslink lengths.
Should I be worried about how long/far the Toslink connection is and losing signal
strength. does that happen with toslink connections?

*+"TOSLINK Signal cables must be limited to below 10 meters or, in many+*
*+cases, under 5 for reliable transmission unless using a signal booster."+*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toslink

Here's something that might help: [M-Audio CO2 -- S/PDIF converter/extender|http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/CO2-main.html]

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=1128619

It can be used as a Toslink repeater/booster -- or if your stereo has an S/PDIF coax
input, you could switch to coax cable most of the run. I'm not sure what the S/PDIF
specs say, but coax should have a much longer reach than consumer-grade Toslink.

Looby

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Answer 5

Apr 11, 2008 5:17 PM in response to JamminJ01

I am having same problem however I did some trouble shooting:

Here is what I have:

Imac brand new with 24" and OSX leopard
Yamaha reciever

Toslink mini to regular plug 35 ft

I get no sound but i do see the light output

I then tried to connect imac with shorter 3 meter monster cable and I get sound. Figuring now that the cable was bad I tried one last thing

I connected 35ft toslink to my xbox and to Yamaha and it worked now. I have a suspicion that the imac doesn't support long distance optical cables. It seems that is the issue. I could be wrong but the light output seems a little more dim. Should I return cable and go another route?

Need someones help PLEASE!!!!

Thanks,

Beau

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Answer 6

Apr 17, 2008 12:19 PM in response to JamminJ01

I have basically given up. I feel as though going to far of a distance with an optical cable is the problem. I see the red light but I think my reciever views this light as way too dim. I am going to go to another connection like mini plug to rca or something

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Answer 7

Jun 7, 2008 11:07 AM in response to The Looby

I don't even see this option when I try using an optical cable on my G4 PB. I have all of the correct cables but am getting no audio out. Is there a missing component in Leopard that I should be installing?

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